Australians face gaming charges in China

Authorities in China have reportedly formally arrested four Australians, including three employees of James Packer's Crown Resorts, as part of a crackdown on gambling crimes.

About 18 Crown employees, including three executives, were detained in mid-October after a series of raids in four cities in China.

The four Australians who have been formally arrested will be held in custody for at least six months while police finalise their case, the Australian Financial Review reported on Monday. Comment was being sought from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.